Inspectors Laud LCAP Strengths

  • Published
  • By Lt Col. Richard Curry
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma --  In addition to receiving an overall outstanding rating during the July Logistics Compliance Assessment Program (LCAP), inspectors took time to praise both the 507th and 137th Air Refueling Wings for their superior approach to creating an effective integrated operation.

Regarding the 507th and 137th Maintenance Groups the inspectors wrote, "The integration of the 507th and 137th Maintenance Groups has presented great challenges. It was evident throughout the inspection that the squadron superintendents, flight chiefs, sections chiefs, and section personnel have come together to deal with these challenges. Continued efforts to identify problem areas, jointly determine the best solutions, and then implement them will ensure the success of these two units."

The inspectors went on to laud the Quality Assurance Section as being managed with superior leadership by the sections supervisors. The inspectors stated, "The programs and engineering support is noteworthy. The unit is used as a test bed for (kit/instruction proofing) modifications to the KC-135 due to their proximity to the Air Logistics Center. Locally developed spreadsheets and databases enhance the management of QA programs."

The inspectors concluding remarks on maintenance program cited their outstanding Dedicated Crew Chief program. The inspectors wrote, "A photograph is taken of each crew chief next to his/her aircraft, which is framed with a copy of the appointment certificate. Each aircraft has its own office cubicle with the tail number clearly affixed to the top storage area and a computer. Crew Chiefs have the freedom to personalize their area. This recognition program cultivates a spirit of pride in ownership both on the aircraft and within the work center."

The inspectors also recognized the 507th Logistic Readiness Squadron's Fuels Management Flight citing their creation of "an innovative electronic tracking system to manage training requirements of flight personnel. This tool has allowed the flight to maintain complete visibility over all training suspense items. AFRC Logistics Readiness Squadrons are encouraged to benchmark this program."

The inspectors also praised the 507th and 137th Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons (AMXS) as being, "the model of integration. From the squadron commanders down, it is evident that these two units strive to function as one unit with a common goal. The synergistic effort of this management team has ensured future successes."

The inspectors heralded AMXS supervision for establishing "an unsurpassed supervisory evaluation program requiring each supervisor to perform one evaluation per week and loading inspections into a Supervisor evaluation program. This process resulted in approximately 24 evaluations a month. Besides maintaining a large supervisory presence on the flight line, this stellar practice fosters a culture of compliance."

This inspectors concluded their remarks by highlighting the 507th and 137th Maintenance Squadron's Fuel Systems Section by stating they have "demonstrated a very high level of professionalism and pride. The confined space program is managed superbly with all wing agencies working together. Personnel at all levels are well versed with all program requirements, and operate as one team.

During the final day of their stay on base, the inspectors recognized 17 superior performers from the associated maintenance team. They are: TSgt. Amy Preskitt, 507th LRS; SrA Bridget Vantreese, 72nd Aerial Port Squadron; MSgts. Sergio R. Factaur and Ernest Miller, 507th and 137th MXG; MSgts. Travis Fowler and Dean McQuitty, TSgts. Robert Ahern, Michael Hill, Jeffery Nash, Daniel Pierce, Corey Still and Eric Whitesel from the 507th and 137th AMXS. Recognized from the 507th and 137th MXS were SMSgt. Richard Stul, MSgt Henry Willie, TSgts. Robert Harding and William Smith and SSgt. James Axcel.